If you’re traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe places to stay.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to be, but we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay depends on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- Your size team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to assist you in saving cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed around our accommodations throughout the years. In the case of longer travel, we’d prefer apartments as they come with kitchens, separate bedrooms and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended journey around the world, try taking a longer trip to places that will make your money go further and lowering your standards in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to pay more for transportation. Consider hotels located in central areas near public transportation, airports and other things to do like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays, which means you’re likely to find a deal. Also, if you book on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable during the week than weekends. So, avoid all the tourists and spare money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are cheaper during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak) you’ll reduce costs as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy a pleasant weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts on future stays.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute may result in a lower rate.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or holiday rental, don’t be intimidated to ask for an improved rate or additional facilities. There’s no way to know if they may just agree!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be ideal for groups or families. In many cases, they can be cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of rewards on credit cards
If you own a credit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites may charge extra fees for items such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to read the fine print before making a booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer specials or discounts on items such as military personnel, students, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with your pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places provide special discounts or deals for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they promote on social media. Make sure you keep up with them via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
You can try a home-sitting job or a house-sitting
Housesitting or home swapping is when you swap houses with someone else and reside in their house while they stay in yours. This can be a great way to save money on lodging while also enjoying your personal space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your group or family, renting a campervan or RV is the best option to save on lodging. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and even have the convenience of your own vehicle all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t offered to the general people. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight and rental car together as a package deal could often save you cash on each component.
Look for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. With the popularity of hostels that are boutique there are often safe, comfortable, and secure options.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole home for a large number of people.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure to check these stores out before purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage in the seasonal sales or the off-season. This is particularly true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on top-quality brands and you might be able to locate gently used luggage in near perfect quality. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In conclusion, finding cheap accommodation and discount luggage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the comfort or security. With a bit of research and imagination you can locate an ideal location to stay within your budget as well as amazing bargains in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices, signing up for loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can extend your budget and enjoy your trip to the maximum.